| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of prolonging the service life of a process cartridge. SOLUTION: As to this image forming device provided with the process cartridge which is attachable to/detachable from a device body, a waste toner carrying means, and a waste toner box 1; the box 1 is arranged outside the process cartridge, so that the box 2 can be attachably/detachably loaded in the device body, a shutter 3 which opens/closes linked with the attaching/ detaching operation of the box 1 is provided between the waste toner carrying means and the box 1, and a light emitting element 7 and a light receiving element 8 (detecting means) detecting the open/close of the shutter 3 and a waste toner fullness condition inside the box 1 are provided. According to the method, when the inside of the box 1 is detected to be filled with the discharged toner, only the box 1 can be detached from the device body and exchanged with a new one, so that the service life of the process cartridge can be prolonged in conformity with the prolonging of the service life of an image carrier, etc. |
